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Peter Wood-Gaines

June 24, 2021

1931 – 2021

Peacefully passed away, at University Hospital on Thursday, June 24, 2021, in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Joyce, for 67 years. Loving father to Andrew (Ann Marie) Wood-Gaines, the late (2011) Julia (Adrian) Smith, Nicholas Wood-Gaines (Susie Parliament), Sally (John) Charlton, Robert (Lorraine) Wood-Gaines and Adam (Eve) Wood-Gaines. Adored grandfather to his grandchildren: Justin, Nathan and Daniel; Chelsi, Ryan, Brandon and Samantha; Angela, Christian and Sean; Samantha and Patrick; and Donovan. Brother to Joyce (John) Bawcutt. Predeceased by his sister, Beryl Knott; brother, Dennis (Audrey) Wood-Gaines; and brother-in-law, Pete (Lin) Major. Peter will be deeply missed by relatives in Canada, the United States, Australia, and England. 

By the mid-1950s, Peter began a journey of love and friendship with his wife, Joyce, sharing their passion for music, cycling, and tennis. After two years in Kent, Peter and Joyce moved to the outskirts of Bucknell, Oxfordshire, where Peter cultivated an interest in agricultural sciences. With three children under the age of six, they embarked upon a journey across the ocean by ship to begin a new life in Canada where they had three more children. Over many years of building his expertise in veterinary medicines, Peter established a successful business serving farming communities across Ontario. 

Peter lived life to the fullest bringing so much joy to family and friends with his dynamic personality, a wonderful sense of humour, artistic talent, and a gift for playing music. He enjoyed singing and playing the piano and clarinet with tunes ranging from classical to ragtime and jazz. His adventurous spirit inspired family and friends to explore and travel the world, connect with nature, and pursue their dreams. 

The family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses for their care and compassion. Cremation has taken place. A private family Celebration of Life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the family welcomes friends to participate in the ceremony via livestream.

To register for the livestream please click here: >Registration page for the livestream of the Celebration of Life for Peter Wood-Gaines on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Peter are asked to consider a charity of their choice. 

 

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Sending sincere condolences at this sad time. Peter was a true gentleman and always had a special smile. Tom and Pattie Telfer

~ Tom Telfer

Dear Joyce & family; sending sincere condolences to you in the loss of your dear husband & father/grandfather Peter. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. May the happy memories that you cherish be a comfort to you. Hugs Mary & John

~ John & Mary Vanderhoeven

I don't know if you remember me, Joyce, but I remember you and Peter when you regularly visited the Westmount library. I looked forward to our chats, Peter's wit and the obvious love and joy you shared with each other. I am sure he will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences.

~ Sherry Monger

Dear Joyce and family, I was so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I will miss my fellow tenor greatly . The choir and indeed Westmount PC won't be the same without him. I can't imagine what a sense of loss you and yours must be feeling. Please accept my sincere condolences.

~ Jim Wilson

Joyce, I was saddened to see of Peter's passing. His infectious smile will surely be missed. It was always a joy to meet you both, often at a Fennell gathering. Cherish the memories, God bless. Shirley (MacCallum) Cobban

~ Shirley Cobban

Dear Joyce and family. We send our deepest condolences with the loss of Peter. We enjoyed our entertaining chats witth Peter and recall his always ready smile. We pray for strength, comfort and peace for you and your family on this difficult journey. May God bless you all. Roger and Dinie Whittle

~ Roger and Dinie Whittle

Dear Auntie Joyce, we were very sad to hear of Uncle Pete's passing. We have lasting memories and feel so grateful to have spent time with you both when we were in Canada. Much love and blessings, Warren and Sue Knott

~ Warren and Sue Knott

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my fellow writer and friend, Peter. A true gentleman in every sense of the word with a disarming smile that filled our study room at Kiwanis on Friday afternoons. His stories made us laugh and made us cry. His built-in humour button dwelled in the twinkle in his eyes as he read his tales. His thirst for storytelling brought him to a greater sense of structure in rhythm and rhyme as was apparent in his tall tale of Mr. Snodgrass and the New Cat, and Malcolm Mouse's Christmas. I was privileged to collaborate with him through the creative process of this venture. Thank you, Peter. Dear Joyce, the many members of our various classes send their love and prayers to you and your family. We will always remember and admire Peter for all that he shared with us over the years. He was a darling man and I will miss him dearly.

~ Molly Croxall

Dear Joyce & Family, Sorry to hear of Peter's passing. We will miss his friendly chatter and special smile. May you find comfort in knowing that others share in your sorrow. You & your family are in our prayers. Victor & Dorothy Woolley

~ Victor & Dorothy Woolley

Dear Joyce and Family, We were so sorry to hear about Peters passing. We always enjoyed visiting with Peter. He loved to pass on a laugh or two as well as sharing his knowledge of life in general and as it related to the bible. We will miss his presence in the choir. May God bless you all. Donna and Lorne

~ Donna and Lorne McGuffin

Dear Joyce and Family, We were so sorry to hear about Peter's passing. We pray that good memories will give you strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. The Stols

~ Catherine Walker-Stol

My deepest sympathies to Joyce and the entire family at this difficult time. Pete and Joyce (along with Rob and Adam for a few years) were wonderful neighbours to my mom and late father who lived next door on Mockingbird Crescent and it was always enjoyable to share a conversation with Pete who never failed to make you laugh or smile. May his soul rest in peace.

~ Marko Pasic

We met Pete & Joyce when Dave joined the Choir at Westmount Presbyterian Church. Pete immediately befriended Dave & remained a loyal friend, even after Dave & Ellie moved to Grand Bend. Pete was a good man with a zest for life & a keen sense of humor. We pray for God's support & healing for Joyce, as she goes through this difficult period. God bless you Pete, we're glad that we knew you !

~ David & Ellie Watt

(Donated to Childrens Health Foundation)

~ Carol Gibson

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